Six friends, forced to work as slaves in the harsh fields of Grassland, vow to escape to find the freedom that was stolen from them long ago.

"Gripping adventure fantasy." - The Vancouver Sun

"A novel that, once you begin, is difficult to put down. A must read. Highly Recommended."- Canadian Review of Materials

Full Review

"David Ward's first novel, Escape the Mask, addresses the notion of freedom. Taken from their parents and stripped of their past and their identities, the children of Grassland are forced to work as slaves, mining the sands for shards. The Spears, who stand watch to make sure the required baskets are filled, use torture and fear to ensure the order. Separated by age, the children are partnered with a member of the opposite sex with whom they share a cell. It isn't until two newcomers, Tia and Bram, arrive that Pippa and Coriko begin to question things and think about escape. Fearing being separated from their partner, fate intervenes, and a group of six put their plan of escape into action.

Told from the viewpoint of one of the main characters, Coriko, Escape the Mask tells of the plight of six friends trying to take back their freedom. It is a journey to self-discovery and wisdom. Ward develops characters that are real and believable. Corniko is a twosie and the opposite of his partner, Pippa, who is a deep thinker. Pippa is educated and can still remember both how to read and her prayers, and she has memories of the outside world. Corniko, on the other hand, acts without thinking about the consequences. He is the protector. The conflicts that arise are physical, between the Spears and the children, as well as emotional, as each of the characters attempt to deal with his/her imprisonment and the fear of the unknown. The characters have to find their own hidden strengths and the truth of who they are - their identities.

A novel that, once you begin, is difficult to put down. A must read. Highly Recommended." - Canadian Review of Materials